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Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short treks in the Annapurna Region, which provides you with the best close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, and the towering Annapurna massif. Our 9-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek takes you to an altitude of 4,500 meters, reaching the spectacular Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Mardi Himal Base Camp is located on a scenic eastern ridge of the Annapurna Massif, offering views of Annapurna Sanctuary, home to the famous Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). On this trek, you will pass through beautiful Gurung and Magar villages, peaceful forest trails, alpine landscapes, and dramatic Himalayan panoramas. The trail and tea house here is not crowded, offering you a peaceful trekking experience.
This carefully designed 9-day Mardi Himal base camp trek itinerary from Kathmandu is suitable for trekkers with good stamina and average fitness. This trek welcomes you to enjoy the Himalayan adventure, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker.
Your Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days begins from Kathmandu with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will take a short drive to Kande and start your trek inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail gradually ascends from warm lowlands into cooler mountain environments, offering changing landscapes every day.
Each trekking day begins early, usually between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, after having a delicious breakfast at the teahouse. You will trek for a few hours through beautiful trails before stopping for lunch at a local tea house or scenic resting point along the route. In the afternoon, you continue your walk to reach the day’s destination, where your trekking guide will assist you with check-in at the teahouse.
In the evening, you will relax in the mountain tea house, enjoying a warm, freshly prepared meal with beautiful mountain scenery.
Accommodation is simple here, but comfortable as they are run by the local families. You will enjoy the warm hospitality and authentic Nepali dishes. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, and trekking may feel more challenging, especially on the final ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), but the views are highly rewarding.
Weather changes rapidly in the mountain region, so expect both sunny and cold conditions. Be prepared for the rainfall and snowfall by carrying essentail clothing and gear items. Overall, the trek is moderate in difficulty and suitable for trekkers with reasonable fitness and a positive spirit for adventure.
The Mardi Himal Trek is famous for its stunning mountain views, peaceful trails, and rich cultural experiences. Here you will experience:
The Mardi Himal trek is less crowded than other treks, which is perfect for individuals who yearn for time to themselves. You trek through beautiful rhododendron forests, serene groves of bamboo, and grasslands covered in wildflowers. Fresh air, birdsong, waterfalls, and the swaying of the breeze in the trees make you feel as if you have bid farewell to the stress of everyday life. It is the perfect way to relax and be one with nature.
The Mardi Himal trek takes you to the base camp at about 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Reaching this height feels like a big achievement. The walk is tough in some parts, with rocky, steep paths, but the view from the top is worth it. You’ll see stunning mountains like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail). It’s a moment that boosts your confidence and gives you a feeling of success.
Along the trek to Mardi Himal, you will pass through Gurung villages. They are very friendly and generous. You will have the option to have tea at their homes and see them doing everyday chores. It is the best way to experience Nepali culture and traditions.
On the trek to the Mardi Himal, you will stay overnight in small villages in teahouses. They provide basic accommodation and meals, but it is genuine and homey. You’ll dine with fellow hikers, huddle over the fire, and share tales. There will be no luxuries so that you will enjoy the little things – such as an open sky full of stars.
This trek is neither too challenging nor too demanding. It is suitable for the majority, even if you’re inexperienced at trekking. No climbing skills or special gear are needed. With a bit of exercise and some time to get used to the altitude, many novices complete the trek and have fun.
The Mardi Himal trek is possible year-round, but the best seasons to experience this excellent trail are spring and autumn. The two seasons have been chosen as the most suitable due to the following reasons.
The ideal season to hike to Mardi Himal is autumn, as it offers clear weather and stable conditions.
Note: Off-seasons for the trek to Mardi Himal are December to February (winter) and from June to August (monsoon season). Winter is a season of freezing temperatures and snow, especially at higher altitudes, which can render hiking difficult. The monsoon season comes with heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and the danger of landslides. So if you are trekking in off season you need to be extra careful.
The weather on the Mardi Himal Trek varies depending on season and altitude. Lower elevations are generally warmer, while higher areas such as High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp can be cold, especially at night.
Seasonal Temperature Overview
| Season | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature |
| Spring(March – May) | →10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) at lower altitudes →5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at higher altitudes | →0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F) at lower altitudes →-5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) at higher altitudes |
| Summer/Monsoon(June – August) | →20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) at lower altitudes →10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at higher altitudes | →15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at lower altitudes →5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at higher altitudes |
| Autumn(September – November) | →15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) at lower altitudes →5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at higher altitudes | →5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at lower altitudes →0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) at higher altitudes |
| Winter(December- January) | →3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F) at lower altitudes →-5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at higher altitudes | →-5°C to -12°C (23°F to 10°F) at lower altitudes →-5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F) at higher altitudes |
The cost of the 9-day Mardi Himal Trek package with High Route Adventure depends on the group size. The larger the group, the more discounts you can receive per person. Let’s take a look at the cost of the Mardi Himal trek package per person.
Below is the Mardi Himal Trek package Cost per person
| No. of People | Price |
| 1 – 1 | $630 per person |
| 2 – 6 | $570 per person |
| 7 – 12 | $540 per person |
Are you looking for a short Mardi Himal trek that can be completed in under a week? Then here is our 5-Day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara. To learn more about the cost and package, please contact us. This Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days is best for Nepali and foreign tourists who want to explore Mardi Himal from Pokhara.
Day 1: Drive to Kande from Pokhara & trek to Forest Camp(2,550m)
Day 2: Trek to Badal Danda(3,210m)
Day 3: Trek to High Camp (3,700m)
Day 4: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and descend to Sidding (1,885m)
Day 5: Drive back to Pokhara
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon your arrival, our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city. In the evening, a short briefing about the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary will be provided by your guide.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll embark on a commute and drive towards Pokhara, located almost 200km west of Kathmandu City. Along with being a popular tourist destination, Pokhara serves as the gateway to many major and minor trekking destinations, including Upper Mustang, Annapurna, Ghorepani, Sikles, and Mardi Himal. The scenic road journey may last 6-7 hours and will offer a unique perspective on the lifestyle of hilly inhabitants. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll be escorted to your hotel.
After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you'll start your day with a scenic 40min drive northwest of Pokhara. You'll drive for almost an hour along the Baglung Highway to arrive at the quaint Kande village. From here, you'll begin traversing along the forest's path toward Mardi Himal. Passing through small Gurung villages, you'll arrive at the Australian camp from where you can catch the magnificent sights of the Annapurna massif. The trail continues along the lushly decorated rhododendron forest towards Pothana village. At Gurung village, you stop for lunch. You'll find a forested ridge that leads directly to Pitam Deurali. It lies between the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre peaks. Stay overnight at Deurali.
Leaving Pitam Deurali, you'll continue trekking through the forested path toward the forest camp. The trail passes through the beautiful rhododendron forests. You won't find mountains visible in this section. Rising above the forests, you'll make your way towards Low Camp with only a handful of lodges. Once at Low Camp, you'll find the pristine views of Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal up close. You can choose to hike for an additional hour to Badal Danda for a clearer view of the surrounding mountains.
The trail leaves the forested path and heads towards rugged, sparsely vegetated terrain. You'll walk above the rhododendron forest and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. Close to High Camp, you can catch the first close sight of snow-capped Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre peaks. A short uphill trek from here will bring you to High Camp. Overnight stay at High Camp.
You'll make the final ascent of the trek and climb toward Upper View Point. You'll continue along the steeper trail that approaches Mardi Himal. Almost two hours of trekking will bring you to Mardi Himal Base Camp, from where you can catch the pristine sight of Mardi Himal's summit. Almost two hours of the additional hike will bring you to Upper View Point. You can catch a close view of the Mardi Himal summit along with Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III peaks from here. Afterward, you'll begin descending towards Badal Danda.
Leaving Badal Danda, you'll begin descending through the Rhododendron forested trail towards the Magar settlements. You'll take a detour and climb down towards Siding village, which lies close to Low Camp. Unlike other villages in the region, Siding remains a traditional Magar village located amidst the lush forests on the foothills of Mardi Himal. From Siding, you'll catch a commute back to Pokhara City. It may take almost 1:30 hr to reach Pokhara. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
Today, you'll bid farewell to Pokhara city and head back to Kathmandu. The beautiful sight of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna I will be visible while you depart. It may take 6-7 hours to reach Kathmandu via the Trishuli Highway. Once in Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel.
You'll leave for the airport. Our representative will drive you back to the airport approximately 2 hours early to avoid delays caused by traffic congestion.
Choose from our scheduled group trips below, or contact us to plan a private or family adventure tailored to your schedule.
All foreign citizens who want to enter Nepal for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek must obtain a Nepal tourist visa. Obtaining the visa is easy. You can obtain it either in advance from your home country or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) as an arrival visa. The visa cost depends on how much you want to spend in Nepal. For the short Mardi Himal Trek, you can obtain a 15-day visa. For the Mardi Himal trek with extra days, we suggest you have a 30-day visa.
For more information about Nepal, check here: Nepal Country Information.
While trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp, teahouses, local shops, and restaurants accept only cash payments in Nepali currency (NPR). There are no ATMs along the trekking route, so you should exchange money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.
We recommend carrying around NPR 10,000 – 20,000, which is usually sufficient for snacks, hot water, device charging, tips, and any unexpected expenses such as weather delays or emergencies. In some places, QR payment may be available in lower regions, but cash is still the most reliable option throughout the trek.
For tourists, a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) is a convenient option for communication and mobile internet. You can use this SIM during the Mardi Himal trek as the mobile network works fine.
Where to get the Sim?
Required document to obtain the SIM?
The Mardi Himal trek is the best destination for stunning views of mountain peaks and beautiful landscapes. You can take photos and videos with your mobile or camera without any issues. But if you are using the drone, you must obtain a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. This is because Mardi Himal is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Flying a drone within the conservation area requires a permit, which will cost around USD 1,800. If you are caught flying a drone without a permit, you will face legal consequences. Read more: Drone Permit in Nepal.
Although it is not mandatory to submit travel and health insurance for the Mardi Himal trek, we strongly suggest that you have it. You never know what situations may arise during the trek, so insurance is important for your safety and peace of mind. Therefore, you should have travel and health insurance that covers trekking risks, including emergency medical and helicopter evacuation.
If you purchase the travel and health insurance, it must cover these things:
Booking: To book the Mardi Himal Trek with High Route Adventure, please review the package details first. After that, you can book the the trip with us according to your preferred date based on your interest and schedule. To confirm the booking, you need to make an advance payment of 20% of the total cost listed on the website.
Payment: You can make a payment using a credit card, bank transfer, or other secure online payment methods accepted by High Route Adventure. We will not cover the bank charge. For the Online Payment, please click here: Bank Details for Payment.
Cancellation Policy: The advance payment is non-refundable, but you can use it for any future trek in Nepal or choose to postpone your trip to a later date.
Here is the list of permits and their costs for the Mardi Himal Trek in the table below:
| Permit Name | Cost |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 per person |
To get the Mardi Himal Trek permits, you need to provide us with the following documents and information:
Note: When you book with us, you don’t have to worry about getting these permits. We will arrange this for you to make your trip smooth and hassle-free.
| Altitude | Oxygen Level |
| 1000m/3281ft | 88% |
| 2500m/8201ft | 73% |
| 3000m/9843ft | 68% |
| 3500m/11483ft | 64% |
| 4000m/13123ft | 60% |
| 4500m/14764ft | 57% |
The Mardi Himal Trek is graded as an easy to moderate trek in terms of difficulty. If you have previous trekking experience, the trek will be easy for you. For first-time trekkers, it can be a little challenging due to the new terrain, continuous uphill sections, and higher altitude. However, if you maintain a reasonable fitness level, you can have a wonderful time in Mardi Himal base camp, no matter if you are a beginner or first first-time trekker. Here are the common risks you will face. Knowing this will help you prepare for the trek.
On these 9 Days, the Mardi Himal trek starts from Kande, at an altitude of 1770 meters (5,807 feet), and takes you to the base camp, which is 4500 meters (14,764 feet). While reaching such altitudes, some trekkers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, Dizziness or light-headedness, Nausea or vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue or weakness, Shortness of breath, and Trouble sleeping (insomnia). Pro Tips: To avoid altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal Trek, follow acclimatization plans such as walking slowly, avoiding alcohol, drinking enough water, and taking proper rest.
The Mardi Himal Trek routes take you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, steep inclines, and rocky paths. Walking in such terrain can be tough for first-time trekkers. Pro Tips: To deal with rugged terrain, use good trekking shoes, carry trekking poles, and maintain good leg strength.
The weather in Mardi Himal is sometimes unpredictable, with the potential for rain, snow, or bright sunshine in a single day. Pro Tip: Pack layering clothing, waterproof clothing, and rain gear.
The Mardi Himal Trek route is less developed than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can expect basic teahouse accommodations and limited medical facilities. Pro Tips: Carry essentials like a first-aid kit and travel insurance for emergencies.
Long trekking days, especially during the Mardi Base Camp summit, are tough and demand mental fortitude. Pro Tip: Stay positive and focus on your dream of reaching base camp
Read more: A Complete Travel Guide to Mardi Himal Trekking.
When you choose the Mardi Himal Trek Package with High Route Adventure, your comfort and convenience are our priorities. As part of your trekking experience, we will thoughtfully arrange your stay at reputable tea houses or mountain lodges along the trail. These accommodations are designed to give trekkers a cozy, immersive Himalayan experience and to ensure they have what they need for a restful night's stay.
Your Room at the Tea House/Mountain Lodge:
These mountain lodges are strategically located along the Mardi Himal trail, balancing accessibility with the authentic charm of off-grid trekking in the Annapurna region. While accommodations are basic, they reflect the rugged beauty of the Himalayas and the friendly, welcoming nature of the local communities.
By choosing our Mardi Himal package, you gain not only a seamless journey but also the peace of mind that your stay will be handled with care and professionalism. For more details or to secure your trekking experience, contact High Route Adventure today!
While on the Mardi Himal Trek, High Route Adventure will arrange three meals for you. You will have a veg and non-veg option, and if you have any special dietary requirements, you can let us know during booking. Mostly, you will get simple Nepali traditional dishes and a few other international dishes made in a Nepali style. Let's see the common dish you can expect on the menu in the tea house.
Breakfast: Tibetan bread with jam or honey, Boiled eggs or omelette, Pancakes (plain, apple, or banana), Porridge or muesli with milk
Lunch and dinner: Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles), Fried rice or noodles with vegetables, egg, or chicken, Pasta with tomato or cheese sauce, Mo: Mo (Nepali dumplings), Noodles, Potato curry or vegetable curry with rice or chapati
Drinks: Black tea, milk tea, or masala tea, Coffee (instant or brewed), Hot lemon with honey, Bottled water or boiled/filtered water, Soft drinks, Alcoholic beverage
Note: Drinks will not be included in the Mardi Himal Trek Package.
On this Mardi Himal Trek Package, we will arrange a tourist bus from Kathmandu for you. You will reach Pokhara in about 6-7 hours, and from Pokhara, we will arrange a private jeep or taxi to Kande. After completing the trek, you will take a tourist bus and return to Kathmandu. For those who want to avoid the road, they can take a flight. If you would like to use a flight, please add the extra cost for this service.
Note: Flight fares may change depending on the peak season, availability, and other factors.
Here are the teams you will get when you book the Mardi Himal Trek Package with High Route Adventure.
For those who have extra time and want to explore more of the Annapurna region, you can add Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp to your Mardi Himal trek itinerary. You can even add both Ghorepani and Annapurna Base Camp to the Mardi Himal Trek. This side trip will add more adventure to your trekking journey, offering stunning sunrise views, beautiful landscapes, and a deeper connection with the Himalayas.
Your primary purpose is to visit the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters above sea level, to enjoy close views of Mardi Peak (5,587m), Fishtail Peak (6,993m), and other 7,000- and 8,000-meter peaks. While reaching such a high altitude as Mardi Himal base camp, the risk of altitude sickness remains high due to the low level of oxygen in the air. Due to the effect of high altitude, some trekkers experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as difficulty in breathing, fatigue, headache, nausea, or dizziness.
These AMS symptoms can occur to anyone above an altitude of 3,000m. If you or someone on your team experiences AMS, they must immediately inform the trekking guide before it turns into HACE and HAPE.
Mardi Himal Trek is one of the top choices for Nepali citizen begin close to Pokhara and can be finished in within a week. A Nepali citizen can take a tourist bus from Gongabu station and take an 8-9-hour drive to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will head to the Baglung bus park to catch the bus and drive to Kande, and start your trek toward Mardi Himal Base Camp. After completing the trek, you will follow the same route back to Pokhara.
Let's see the Mardi Himal trek cost for Nepali
In total, for 7 Days Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu for Nepali it will cost around 20,000 per person.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't require a lot of intricate gear and equipment for this journey. Here's a basic checklist of the vital elements you must remember to carry when embarking on your Mardi Himal Trek:
There are only a few of the essential items. Find a Packing list for the trekking in Nepal.
The majority of trekking gear can be rented in Kathmandu, alleviating the need for heavy baggage. By packing only the necessities and acquiring the remaining items through rentals or purchases in Kathmandu, you can travel light. Thamel's shops provide both branded and locally crafted gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it in storage.
Starting from
per person (in USD)
Real experiences shared by trekkers and travelers who joined our trips.
I just returned from the Mardi Himal trek and it was an unforgettable experience. The scenery was impressive, with majestic mountains and picturesque villages. The trek was moderately difficult, but the views from the top were worth it. Our guide, Tenzing, was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the culture and history of the region. I highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an authentic Himalayan experience
I recently did the Mardi Himal Trek with my friends and it was an amazing experience. The trek was well-organized and our guide, Ramesh, was very helpful and supportive. The scenery was stunning, with beautiful forests and towering mountains. We saw many different types of flora and fauna, and the views from the top were breathtaking. I would definitely recommend this trek to anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding experience in the Himalayas.
I just finished the Mardi Himal trek and it was incredible. The scenery was breathtaking, with majestic mountains and picturesque villages. The trek was moderately difficult, but the views from the top were worth it. Our guide, Kumar, was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about the culture and history of the region. I highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an authentic Himalayan experience.
I recently completed the Mardi Himal Trek and it was an incredible experience. The scenery was stunning, with towering mountains and picturesque villages. The trek was moderately challenging, but the views from the top were well worth it. Our guide, Ganesh, was knowledgeable and friendly, and made sure we were safe and happy throughout the trek. I would highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for a unique and authentic Himalayan experience.
I did a 5-day trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp and it was one of my most fulfilling trek yet reaching 4,500 meters above sea level. My guide, Pramod was very helpful from the start checking if I am bringing the appropriate gears, making sure that I am comfortable in my accommodation, or just making sure that I’m enjoying the trek itself.
This company is very flexible – they enabled us to change the trail by combining multiple usual tracks so that we could see more in less time. Also adjustments during the track were possible.
All questions were answered – all problems solved, including the change of our flight back (which was originally purchased by us privately) without additional charges.
Our porter Parbat is an extremely tough guy being able to go very fast for long distances and accepting our request to even go further any day.
Also ours guide Bhumi’s services were far beyond the usual standard. Sometimes, he was more a personal butler than just a guide.
